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Table 1 Guiding questions, phenomena, and NGSS connections for each module

From: Development and pilot testing of a three-dimensional, phenomenon-based unit that integrates evolution and heredity

Module

Driving question

Phenomena used

DCIs

SEPs

CCs

Shared biochemistry

What shapes the characteristics of all living things?

Glowing fish

Firefly tails

HS-LS1.A

HS-LS3.A

HS-LS4.A

Using a model

Analyzing and interpreting data

Argumentation from evidence

Systems and systems models

Patterns

Common ancestry

What is the evidence that living species evolved from common ancestral species?

Cetacean fossils, anatomy, embryos, and DNA

Number of shared genes between organisms

HS-LS4.A

Analyzing and interpreting data

Argumentation from evidence

Patterns

Cause and effect

Heredity

How do the differences arise in DNA that lead to differences in characteristics?

Canine trait similarities and differences

Highly variable pigeon traits

HS-LS3.A

HS-LS3.B

Using a model

Argumentation from evidence

Cause and effect

Natural selection

How do species change over time?

Rock pocket mice coloration

Variable lateral plate number in stickleback fish

HS-LS4.B

HS-LS4.C

Analyzing and interpreting data

Argumentation from Evidence

Patterns

Cause and effect

Speciation

How does natural selection lead to the formation of new species?

Species is a human construct

Hawthorn fly speciation

HS- LS4.C

Analyzing and interpreting data

Argumentation from evidence

Cause and effect